How to replace a tent zipper with velcro
I have to spend a good portion of my time fixing and replacing the tent’s zipper. You know It’s a pain in the neck. So, I decided to find a solution that was better than the standard tent zipper. After a lot of research, I found a great way to do it.
Tents play an essential role in our outdoor activities. A good tent is designed to provide comfort, protection, and safety from the elements. But did you know when the zipper of your tent breaks or gets stuck, it can ruin your whole camping trip?
However, in such a situation, replacing the zipper with velcro is a smart and cost-effective solution. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the process of replacing tent zippers with velcro and offer you a step-by-step guide to help you complete the task with ease.
Why replace your zipper with velcro?
Replacing your tent zipper with velcro can be a great way to ensure your tent stays secure and weatherproof in the most extreme conditions. Velcro is much more reliable than a traditional zipper, as it won’t get stuck or break when exposed to high winds and rain.
Additionally, it’s a much easier and simpler method for attaching your tent’s fabric than using a zipper. Replacing your tent zipper with velcro is relatively simple and involves removing the zipper from your tent’s fabric, then replacing it with a strip of velcro.
This process is often less expensive than replacing the entire zipper and usually results in a more robust and more secure connection between the fabric of your tent.
When shopping for velcro, ensure you get a robust and weatherproof variety designed to withstand wind, rain, and sun exposure. You’ll also want to measure your existing zipper to ensure you’re buying a strip of velcro that is the right size to fit your tent’s fabric.
Once your velcro is ready to go, attach it to your tent’s fabric in place of the zipper. Secure each side firmly so that it won’t move around in strong winds, and you’re all set!
What Kind of Velcro Should You Use?
When it comes to replacing a tent zipper with velcro, there are a few things to consider. First, you’ll want to make sure you choose the suitable velcro for the job. Velcro comes in two varieties:
Hook and Loop. The hook side has small plastic hooks that stick onto the loop side, which has small loops of fabric or plastic.
For replacing tent zippers, it’s usually best to use loop velcro. Hook velcro is often too aggressive and can damage the tent’s fabric. Loop velcro is gentler and less likely to snag or tear the material. If you’re concerned about durability, try using self-adhesive loop velcro, as this will stay in place better than the sew-on variety.
When selecting loop velcro, you should also pay attention to its width. For tents, it’s usually best to go with a width between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch. This width provides enough surface area to create a secure seal while allowing the velcro to remain relatively inconspicuous.
Once you have your velcro, you can start replacing the zipper. Start by cutting off the old zipper along the edges of the opening. Then, place the loop velcro along each side of the opening. Using sew-on velcro, use a needle and thread to sew it into place.
If using self-adhesive velcro, press it into place. Finally, stick the two sides of the velcro together and test out your new closure system.
How to Measure and Cut the Velcro Strips
When it comes to replacing a tent zipper with velcro, measuring and cutting the correct size velcro strips is key. To ensure that your velcro strips fit properly, you’ll need to measure the length of the tent zipper before you begin.
To start, you’ll need a measuring tape and two velcro pieces. Measure the zipper’s length and cut two velcro strips in corresponding sizes. Make sure to give yourself at least one inch of extra velcro on each side to ensure a secure fit.
When measuring the velcro width, use the exact length measurement as the zipper. Then cut a strip for the top and bottom of the zipper. Keep in mind that these pieces should be slightly wider than the zipper so that you can attach them to the outside of the tent.
Once you have cut your velcro strips, lay out your zipper along with the two velcro strips. You should mark where you will attach the velcro with a pen or marker.
Then, apply a thin layer of superglue or other adhesive to both sides of the velcro strips and attach them to the zipper. Make sure they are firmly secured, and give them time to dry before proceeding.
Now you’re ready to attach your newly made velcro zipper to your tent! Use a needle and thread to sew the zipper onto the tent fabric. This should be done carefully and securely so that the zipper will not lose or tear.
How do You Attach the Velcro Strips?
If your tent’s zipper is broken or worn out, consider replacing it with velcro. Velcro can be a great alternative to a zipper and is much easier to use. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to replace your tent’s zipper with velcro:
Step 1: Remove the Old Zipper
Using the seam ripper or sharp knife, carefully cut away the threads that hold the old zipper in place. Be sure to cut the threads instead of the fabric itself. Once you’ve removed the old zipper, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Velcro Strips
Next, measure out two pieces of velcro slightly larger than the opening in your tent. Once measured, cut the velcro strips using scissors and mark each strip with a marker to ensure they are correctly aligned when attached.
Step 3: Attach the Velcro Strips
1). Using the adhesive, attach one side of the velcro strip to each side of the tent fabric. Make sure the velcro strips are aligned and firmly attached to the fabric before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Sew the Velcro Strips Onto the Tent
2). Place the hook side of the velcro onto one side of the opening and the loop side onto the other. Use a needle and thread to sew the velcro onto the tent, making tiny stitches that won’t fall apart easily.
Step 5: Test Out Your Work
Once you have finished sewing the velcro onto the tent, close it to ensure it’s working properly. If everything looks good, you’re done!
With these easy steps, you can quickly and easily replace your tent’s zipper with velcro. It’s an easy way to save money and extend the life of your tent.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, you can easily replace your tent’s zipper with velcro and enjoy the convenience of an easier-to-use zipper. With just a few supplies, some careful measurements, and a bit of time, you can ensure that your tent zipper is as secure as ever. If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I will try my best to respond!